For us, the Wilderness region in South Africa is one of the most beautiful corners along the popular Garden Route. Here, you’ll find not only lush green coastal forests, a diverse national park, endless beaches, and the stunningly beautiful Indian Ocean, but also a diverse range of outdoor activities and fantastic accommodations.
Wilderness is located between Mossel Bay and Knysna and is an excellent stop during a South Africa tour. In the following article, we’ll take you to this region and reveal which sights, highlights, and activities you shouldn’t miss. Have fun browsing!
- General information about the region
- Our accommodation
- Accommodations we would also book
- Beaches in Wilderness in South Africa
- Great viewpoints
- Hikes in Wilderness National Park
- Top activity in Wilderness: Paragliding
- Kayaking
- Excursion tips in the area
- Our restaurant & café tips
- Conclusion on Wilderness in South Africa
General information about the region
If you’re traveling on the Garden Route, sooner or later you’ll pass by Wilderness. This small village is located between George (16 km) and Knysna (46 km) and, despite its small size, has an incredible amount to offer. The N2 runs directly through Wilderness. On one side, you’ll find hotels and holiday homes right on the beach on the dunes; on the other, the houses are lined up on the land side.
There are countless great hotels and B&Bs, excellent restaurants, endless sandy beaches, several lakes and lagoons, and numerous outdoor activities. For us, Wilderness is definitely one of the TOP highlights along the Garden Route. Plan at least two days before continuing on to Knysna. We’ve marked all the important spots for you on the map below. If you have any other tips for us, please let us know in the comments.
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Our Accommodation
For our stay in Wilderness, we absolutely wanted to stay in a really nice place, so we spent many hours searching the internet. After a long search, we found what we were looking for on Airbnb. A few days later, we moved into a beautiful cabin with a view of the countryside for four nights. The owner is very friendly, welcoming, and gave us a warm welcome. The small cottage is equipped with everything you need for a stay. In addition to the fully equipped kitchen, there is a very comfortable large double bed, a small couch with a TV, a small bathroom with a shower, and a large terrace with two lounge chairs and a BBQ area.
Even during loadshedding, we were able to continue using all the appliances in the hut except for the microwave, oven, and toaster. The hut uses solar energy, which guarantees electricity even during power outages. Our days in the hut were wonderful, and we especially enjoyed the morning and evening atmosphere on the terrace. Everything was quickly accessible by car, whether restaurants, supermarkets, beaches, or the national park. We highly recommend a stay in this wonderful hut. Book the cottage here.
Accommodations we would also book
There are of course other accommodations on site which are also very nice and could certainly be of interest to you too. In the following table, we’ve listed some of the most beautiful accommodations in Wilderness for you. If you know of any other accommodations that should definitely be included in this table, please let us know in the comments.
Beaches in Wilderness, South Africa
We particularly liked the 8 km long Wilderness Beach. This wildly romantic and rugged beach is perfect for long walks. Swimming is too dangerous in many places because the currents and underwater undertow are said to be unpredictable. Therefore, pay attention to the warning signs on the beach and don’t overestimate yourself. We didn’t see anyone in the water during our visit; we only had our feet in.
If you’re traveling with children, you should stop at Kaaimans River Beach. Here at the river mouth, the water is very shallow and crystal clear. You do have to walk a bit from the small parking lot, but it’s worth it. If you’re up for it, you can rent a kayak from “Kaaimans Adventures” and paddle along the river. More on that later. Also recommended in this area is the small Victoria Bay Beach (partly sandy, partly rocky), which is also very popular with surfers. On-site, there are clean restrooms and shower facilities, restaurants, a surf school, guesthouses, a fishing deck, and a few shops.
Great Viewpoints
Dolphin Look Out
We recommend a detour to the Dolphin Look Out, which is located directly on the N2 above the beach. You can park your car in the parking bay and walk a few meters. The view over Wilderness Beach, the Indian Ocean, the disused railway tracks, and the mouth of the Kaaimans River is spectacular. And as the name “Dolphin Look Out” might suggest, with a little luck you might even spot dolphins in the sea. Attention: Do not leave valuables visible in your car when you leave it!
Map of Africa
A Another great viewpoint can be found a little further above the village along the narrow Remskoen Street. Simply follow the signs to the “Map of Africa” viewpoint. The view over the lush green river valley is truly unique. The river winds through the forests and (with a little imagination) forms the outline of a map of Africa. Directly below the sign is a bench, perfect for a picnic break. On your way back, be sure to stop at “Hallo Coffee” and order a delicious muffin and coffee. The view from there is also magnificent!
Hiking in Wilderness National Park
The village of Wilderness is part of the Wilderness National Park, which in turn has been part of the Garden Route National Park since March 2009. The Wilderness National Park stretches from the mouth of the Touws River to the Goukamma Nature Reserve near Buffels Bay. A magnificent coastal landscape, numerous rivers and lakes, as well as swamplands and beaches, awaited us there. The over 1,500-meter-high Outeniqua Mountains rise in the background. If you spend a few days in the area, we highly recommend you try one or two hikes.
We explored the approximately 7.2 km long Giant Kingfisher Trail, which leads relatively comfortably through the forest to two waterfalls. Along the way, you can spot various bird species, such as the beautiful lourie and the kingfisher. The park is very natural and well signposted. The trail leads almost the entire way along wooden boardwalks along the river before you spot the waterfalls between the large rocks. Along the way, you’ll have to cross the river at least once on a kind of raft, which is really a lot of fun!
Popular hikes in Wilderness National Park:
- Half Collared Kingfisher Trail (3.8 km | 1 to 2 hours)
- Giant Kingfisher Trail (7.2 km | 2 to 3 hours)
- Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail (5 km | 2 to 3 hours)
- Cape Dune Molerat Trail (6 km | 2 to 3 hours)
- Pied Kingfisher Trail (10 km | 3 to 4 hours)
☞ It’s best to check out the different routes in the brochure here. Entry into the national park currently costs 180 Rand per person per day (children 90 Rand). At the gate, you’ll first have to sign in on a list before driving a short distance to the SANParks reception. There, you’ll pay the entrance fee (cash or credit card). As of: February 2023.
Top Activity in Wilderness: Paragliding
Marco always wanted to try paragliding in South Africa, but it never fit into our schedule. During our last trip (winter 2022/2023), Marco finally got the chance and was able to enjoy the view over Wilderness on a tandem flight*. Marco’s paragliding flight began in perfect weather in Sedgefield, above the town with stunning views over the small lakes and the sea. In Wilderness, there are generally various paragliding launch points, which are selected depending on the wind and weather.
Marco was given a helmet and harness, and after the important safety briefing, they were off. The flight lasted 20 minutes, and a few photos and videos were included in the package (☞ 20-minute adventure flight including photos and videos). The pilot ensured that Marco could sit back and enjoy the flight to the fullest. He marveled at the endless beachfront, the sea, and the lush forests. After 20 minutes, both had solid ground beneath their feet again.
Out and about in a kayak
Do you enjoy being out on the water? How about a short or long kayaking tour? We rented a kayak from “Kaaimans Adventures” (180 Rand per person per hour) and paddled up and down the Kaaimans River together. Right near the station, you can paddle to a waterfall, the beautiful Kaaimans River Beach, or toward the “Map of Africa.”
Alternatively, you can rent a canoe from Eden Adventures in the nearby Wilderness National Park and paddle on the Touws River. However, you will have to pay the national park entrance fee (approximately €9) plus the canoe rental fee (R140 per hour). The river runs through the national park and is sure to offer great spots for your canoe tour.
Other activities in the area:
- Canoe rental, Fairy Knowe Hotel*
- Garden Route National Park: Tsitsikamma Zipline Canopy Tour*
- Canyoning in the Cappuccino Gorge in George*
- Abseiling at the Swart River Waterfall in George*
- Boat trip on the Touw River – Wilderness National Park*
- Adventurous canyoning in Wilderness*
Tips for excursions in the surrounding area
There is also a lot to see and experience around Wilderness. Next door in Sedgefield, the popular Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, offering an incredible array of delicacies and fantastic local produce (7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.). There, you can enjoy a wonderful breakfast and a leisurely start to your day. The lagoon town of Knysna, about 40 minutes away, is also not to be missed. There, you’ll find great restaurants, cafés, and shops, as well as the unique lagoon landscape with beautiful beaches, viewpoints, and cool adventures. More about this here: Our best tips for Knysna.
After about 65 minutes, you’ll reach Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo via the impressive Outeniqua Pass. The town itself may not be particularly exciting, but the surrounding highlights are. Explore the Swartberg Pass and continue on to Prince Albert and Meiringspoort. Take a meerkat tour, visit an ostrich farm, and marvel at the impressive Cango Caves. More about this here: Our best tips for Route 62 and Oudtshoorn. During our first trip, we spent a few days in Mossel Bay and can recommend, among other things, the Blue Shed Coffee Roastery, the St. Blaize Hiking Trail, and a night in the converted Santos Express Train.
Our Restaurant & Café Tips
In Wilderness, there are some great restaurants and cafés that we don’t want to withhold from you. You can get excellent coffee at the small café “The Commonage.” If you like pizza, you shouldn’t miss an evening at the Ilali Restaurant. The pizzas there are truly delicious! At “The Girls on the Square,” you can sit comfortably in the garden and order excellent dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Just a few meters away is “The Green Shed Coffee Roastery,” which offers a good selection of cakes and coffee. We were also recommended the Salinas Beach Restaurant, with its fantastic views of the Indian Ocean, and the Serendipity Restaurant in the hotel of the same name. The restaurant was recently awarded the “Global Award for Fine Dining Cuisine” in 2021. Be sure to reserve your table in advance!
Conclusion on Wilderness in South Africa
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Wilderness and especially liked the proximity to nature. There are so many great activities to do in and around Wilderness, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, paragliding, horseback riding, or even kloofing and abseiling. You can also stroll along the endless beach, enjoy good food, and simply unwind. For us personally, Wilderness is a little gem along the Garden Route and shouldn’t be missed when planning your trip! We wish you lots of fun in Wilderness and really hope you enjoyed our tips.